By R.L. Bynum
Sam Howell turned in another efficient performance Monday in his first exhibition game appearance since Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera officially named the second-year quarterback his starter.
His big night was topped when he connected with former UNC teammate Dyami Brown for one of two touchdown passes he threw in the final 1:49 of the first half of Washington’s 29–28 home victory over the Baltimore Ravens.
“I’m so excited,” Howell said in a sideline interview with ESPN during the second half about the opportunity to be an NFL starter as the Commanders went to 2–0 in the preseason. “I’m just so blessed by God to be given this opportunity. So, I’m going to do everything I can to make the most of it.”
Playing the entire first half and four drives, Howell took sacks in the first and second quarters but smoothly went through his progressions and looked to be in full command. He made some solid throws under pressure.
“I thought it was all right,” Howell said of his performance. “I thought we did some good things. I thought there were a lot of things that we could have done a better job of, things I could have done a better job of. I took up two bad sacks that were my fault. So, we would like not to have those plays. But I’m proud of my guys; they kept fighting. We’re able to put some good drives together.”
Late in the first half, when it appeared he was about to get sacked, he eluded defenders and connected for 17 yards to Jahan Dotson on a third-and-10. Two plays later, Howell hit Brown for an 11-yard touchdown pass with 17 seconds left to give Washington a 17–14 halftime lead.
He was 19 of 25 for 188 yards, connecting with Antonio Gibson with 1:49 in the first half on a nine-yard touchdown pass, and had a 123.4 passer rating.
“Just coming out every day, I just wanted everybody to trust me. I wanted this organization to trust me. I want my teammates to trust me. So just trying to come in every day and work as hard as I can,” Howell said of what he’s wanted to accomplish in preseason camp.
Howell didn’t play in the second half.
Brown finished with two catches for 27 yards on six targets.
Howell completed 5 of 6 passes for 56 yards on Washington’s first drive, which led to a 21-yard Joey Slye field goal.
Howell attempted two deep third-down passes to Brown down the right side in the second quarter. Both times, against tight coverage from Ravens cornerback Kevon Seymour, Brown couldn’t make the catch.
Dyami Brown, Washington Commanders wide receiver
Age 23 | 6–0, 195 | third NFL season | UNC 2018–20
Roster situation — Second-string WR behind Terry McLaurin
38–10 Sunday loss vs. Dallas — 1 of 1 passing, 4 yards, 83.3 passer rating; 7 offensive snaps (14%), 12 special-teams snaps (55%)
Season statistics — 17 games, 1 start; 12 catches, 164 yards (35 longest), 1 TD; 1 rush, 0 yards; 1 assist; 2 special-teams tackles; 1 special-teams assist; 1 of 1 passing, 4 yards, 83.3 passer rating
Season over — The Commanders finished 4–13.
Michael Carter, Arizona Cardinals running back
Age 24 | 5–8, 201 | third NFL season | UNC 2017–20
Roster situation — Competing for time with James Conner, Earl Demercado and Keaontay Ingram
21–20 Sunday loss vs. Seattle